India offers DPI frameworks, workforce training to BRICS nations

India has proposed sharing its open-source digital public infrastructure (DPI) frameworks and jointly training workforces with BRICS nations, Minister of State for Communications Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani said on Thursday. Speaking at a BRICS event, Pemmasani highlighted the common challenges faced by the Global South, including bandwidth constraints, language diversity, low digital literacy, and large rural populations.

He said sharing open-source tools would allow member states to adapt proven systems without rebuilding from scratch or incurring high licensing costs. Pemmasani also called for advocating fair standards in international telecom and ICT bodies. The Department of Telecommunications will organise the BRICS ICT Track in Pune from August 17 to August 21, 2026, under India's BRICS chairship.

Pemmasani noted that India has brought 4G connectivity to nearly 99% of villages and is investing about $4 billion to cover remaining areas, alongside $17 billion in the BharatNet programme. He said pro-investment policies and indigenous technology have reduced the cost of data, keeping connectivity affordable for all citizens.